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BREAKING: Kenneth Okonkwo Sparks Controversy, Demands Bayelsa Governor Diri’s Seat Be Declared Vacant

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(DDM) – A new wave of political tension has emerged in Bayelsa State as Nollywood actor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately declare the office of Governor Douye Diri vacant following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Okonkwo made the declaration after Diri reportedly announced his exit from the PDP during a State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, sparking widespread political reactions and constitutional debate.

According to Okonkwo, the governor’s withdrawal from the party that sponsored his election effectively invalidates his mandate, citing Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He argued that the section explicitly requires every state governor to be a member of a political party and to have been sponsored by that party to remain eligible for office.

“The moment Governor Diri renounced his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, he ceased to meet the constitutional requirements of a sitting governor,” Okonkwo stated.

He urged INEC to conduct a fresh governorship election within 90 days to fill what he described as an “automatic vacancy” in Bayelsa’s top office.

The actor-turned-politician maintained that Nigeria’s democracy must not tolerate what he termed “selective constitutional obedience,” insisting that governors cannot defect from the parties that brought them to power without facing the legal consequences.

Okonkwo’s statement has quickly gone viral, drawing mixed reactions across social media, particularly among supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition PDP, both of whom have been locked in an intense battle for dominance in the South-South region.

READ ALSO:  PHOTOS: LP in Anambra, Kaduna, Niger collapse structure for ADC

While some political commentators backed Okonkwo’s constitutional interpretation, others dismissed his demand as political sensationalism, noting that the Supreme Court has previously ruled in similar cases that only legislators, not governors, can lose their seats through defection.

Analysts recall that in 2020, the apex court reaffirmed that governors hold personal mandates, not party-owned mandates, and therefore cannot be automatically removed by virtue of defection unless there is a judicial pronouncement to that effect.

Governor Diri’s recent resignation from the PDP came amid a wave of high-profile defections sweeping the South-South and South-East regions, as political actors realign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His move follows similar exits by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, both of whom have been accused of shifting loyalty toward the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Observers say the string of defections has unsettled the PDP’s national leadership, already struggling to contain internal rifts after the 2023 elections.

Kenneth Okonkwo’s intervention adds a dramatic twist to Bayelsa’s political scene and may reignite debates over constitutional reform, party supremacy, and the limits of executive loyalty in Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

As of press time, neither INEC nor the Bayelsa State Government had issued an official response to Okonkwo’s demand.

However, political watchers believe the actor’s statement has further intensified discussions around governance, morality, and political accountability in Nigeria’s volatile South-South region.

 

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Wike-Led PDP Faction Expels Makinde, Mohammed, Lawal, Others

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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike
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The factional National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ratified the expulsion of three sitting governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara.

Others expelled include former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman, Chief Bode George; and newly elected National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

The announcement follows last Saturday’s rival PDP national convention in Ibadan, where Wike and several allies—comprising former governors, lawmakers and senior party figures—were suspended over alleged anti-party activities.

The Ibadan convention, convened by the opposing faction, accused Wike’s bloc of trying to “destabilise the party structure” ahead of a proposed nationwide restructuring process.

On Tuesday, both factions attempted to hold separate NEC and Board of Trustees meetings at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, prompting a chaotic confrontation.

Security operatives struggled to manage clashes between supporters of the two sides, leading to shouting matches, shoving and temporary closure of parts of the building before the groups eventually met separately.

During its own session, the Wike-aligned NEC also dissolved PDP state executive committees in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos and Ekiti. It directed that caretaker committees be set up immediately, followed by fresh congresses in the affected states.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and read by factional National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, stated that the NEC reviewed a report from Acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed on alleged breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution. The violations cited included anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders and conduct viewed as bringing the party into disrepute.

READ ALSO:  EXCLUSIVE: How James Ibori who was jailed for fraud in UK handed entire PDP political structure in Delta to Tinubu

The faction approved disciplinary actions against several prominent members, including: Adolphus Wabara, Bode George, Ben Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel and Emmanuel Enorden.

The development marks one of the most severe escalations yet in the PDP’s internal conflict, which has seen parallel conventions, rival leadership claims and widening rifts between influential blocs ahead of the party’s expected national restructuring.

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Ken Pela Says Nigeria Needs Willpower for True National Rebirth

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(DDM) – Investor and public service advocate Ken Pela has stressed that Nigeria’s biggest challenge is not a lack of potential, but a deficit of the will to do what is right.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Pela made the statement after participating in investor meetings, strategy sessions, and a nation-building dialogue with former Vice President Peter Obi at the Reimagining Nigeria Symposium 2025 in Madrid.

Our correspondent notes that Pela reflected on discussions at the symposium, outlining key principles he believes are essential for rebuilding the nation and achieving sustainable development.

He emphasized that national progress requires responsible harnessing of agriculture, the establishment of transparent enterprise, and the consistent practice of integrity across all sectors.

Pela further highlighted that meaningful reform cannot be outsourced and must come from active citizen engagement, urging Nigerians to demand accountability rather than wait for others to initiate change.

He described these principles as the pillars necessary to construct a “truly new Nigeria,” emphasizing that collective action, ethical leadership, and societal commitment are indispensable.

Pela also commended the efforts of Isiodu Kosieme Georges and the symposium’s organizing team for creating a platform that fostered dialogue on governance, economic reform, and citizen participation.

He noted that investor participation, policy discussions, and networking opportunities at the Madrid event demonstrated the potential for coordinated efforts to address systemic challenges in Nigeria.

The public service advocate reaffirmed his personal commitment to national development, emphasizing that sustained progress depends on the collaboration of private sector leaders, government officials, and citizens alike.

READ ALSO:  INEC defies opposition, hands ADC governorship ticket to Nwosu ahead of Anambra 2025

Pela expressed optimism that through collective effort, strategic planning, and God’s guidance, a new Nigeria is achievable, a nation built on accountability, innovation, and the rule of law.

He stressed that leadership at all levels must prioritize transparency, efficiency, and ethical conduct to inspire confidence in governance and attract investment.

Observers note that Pela’s reflections provide a roadmap for reform-minded Nigerians, highlighting practical steps for improving agriculture, business enterprise, and civic responsibility.

The symposium discussions underscored the importance of combining moral leadership, technical expertise, and citizen engagement to confront Nigeria’s challenges and unlock its full potential.

Pela concluded that national rebirth requires courage, willpower, and collective action, urging all stakeholders to actively participate in shaping a more prosperous, accountable, and sustainable Nigeria.

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Turaki Vows PDP Executive Meeting Will Hold Tomorrow

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(DDM) – PDP National Chairman Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has affirmed that the party’s inaugural National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will take place tomorrow at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Turaki made the declaration following the submission of a petition at the Police Headquarters in Garki, targeting expelled officials of the party, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.

Our correspondent notes that the petition accused Anyanwu and other party members of sabotaging PDP processes and undermining the party’s leadership and organizational cohesion.

Despite the petition, Turaki insisted that no obstacle would prevent the executive meeting from proceeding, emphasizing that the session is a key step in implementing the party’s new leadership direction.

He reiterated that the Wadata Plaza meeting marks the beginning of a renewed focus on discipline, unity, and strategic planning under his leadership.

Turaki assured party members that the meeting would proceed as scheduled on November 18, highlighting its importance in consolidating the gains of the recently concluded national convention.

The chairman emphasized that defending internal processes and maintaining order within the party are critical for strengthening PDP’s organizational structure and credibility.

Turaki noted that the NEC meeting would provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss internal reforms, address challenges, and reinforce cohesion among party officials at all levels.

Observers say the chairman’s statement signals a firm commitment to assert authority, enforce party rules, and prevent disruptions by dissenting members.

Party insiders indicate that the meeting will also focus on reviewing strategic priorities, coordinating state and national operations, and ensuring alignment among party organs nationwide.

READ ALSO:  Who wins the Anambra governorship poll?

The leadership highlighted the significance of the session for restoring confidence among members and re-establishing PDP as a disciplined and unified political force.

Analysts suggest that Turaki’s proactive stance demonstrates the party’s determination to safeguard internal democracy, promote transparency, and address grievances through established channels.

The NEC gathering is expected to include discussions on organizational restructuring, membership engagement, election preparedness, and the integration of party stakeholders into decision-making processes.

Turaki urged all members to cooperate, emphasizing that maintaining unity and discipline is essential for achieving PDP’s objectives and sustaining its relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The chairman concluded that tomorrow’s meeting will strengthen internal cohesion, restore accountability, and set a clear path for the party’s leadership to implement its mandate effectively.

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